Q&A: Disney Executive Tells of ‘Frozen’ Success in Japan

“Frozen” and its hit song “Let It Go” are proving just as popular in Japan as in the U.S., where schoolchildren sang the song at this February event in New York City.

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Since opening on March 14, “Frozen” has overtaken “Finding Nemo” as the fastest Walt Disney Co. animation movie in Japan to draw seven million viewers. The musical-fantasy film is soon likely to surpass 10 billion yen (about $100 million) in gross receipts in Japan, a feat achieved domestically only by Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Wind Rises” in the past year.

Q: “Frozen” is about to hit 10 billion yen at the domestic box office.
A: Yes, it is a record-breaking success, and we’re glad that so many people, men and women from all ages, have embraced the film. There have been many fans who return to the theaters to watch it multiple times.

Q: Is there something about the movie that is particularly appealing to Japanese viewers?
A: “Frozen” has been a hit in many countries, but for the Japanese-dubbed version we really put effort into finding actors who could not only play the role but also belt out the tunes as well. We found the perfect match in Takako Matsu and Sayaka Kanda, and they really added a whole new dimension to the storytelling. I believe that has resulted in the domestic success. [About 60% of theaters in Japan are playing the Japanese-dubbed version, and a 3-D dubbed version is coming April 26.]

Q: The movie was re-released in the U.S. with subtitles so that moviegoers can sing along to the soundtrack at the theater. Will that version appear in Japan as well?
A: Yes, it will open in some theaters on April 26. In the Japanese-dubbed versions, the Japanese lyrics of the songs will appear at the bottom of the screen. Everyone can sing along together with the characters.

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Japan Real Time is a newsy, concise guide to what works, what doesn’t and why in the one-time poster child for Asian development, as it struggles to keep pace with faster-growing neighbors while competing with Europe for Michelin-rated restaurants. Drawing on the expertise of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires, the site provides an inside track on business, politics and lifestyle in Japan as it comes to terms with being overtaken by China as the world’s second-biggest economy. You can contact the editors at japanrealtime@wsj.com